Making space for renewable energy
16 March 2010
Natural England guidance outlines systematic approach to assessment of on-shore wind energy
Natural England today published guidance on how it will assess on-shore wind energy development proposals put forward as part of the planning process.
The guidance - outlined in ‘Making space for renewable energy’ - is intended for Natural England’s own staff but also to inform developers, planning authorities and the wind energy industry about how Natural England develops the statutory advice it provides in assessing wind energy proposals and their impact on the natural environment.
As the government’s advisor on wildlife and the natural environment, Natural England is involved at many stages of the planning process and is a statutory consultee where planning proposals may have an impact on designated conservation sites or on protected wildlife. As a result, it has an important role to play in advising on on-shore wind energy development and the degree to which the natural environment can accommodate it.
The new guidance outlines a systematic approach and by making it public, Natural England is hoping to encourage a stronger consensus of where and how on-shore wind energy might be successfully accommodated within the natural environment.
Andrew Wood, Natural England’s Executive Director Evidence and Analysis, said: “We want to do all we can to help identify areas where production of renewable and low carbon energy can be best located with minimal impact on the natural environment. We believe our ‘Making space for renewable energy’ guidance can add value to the process through which on-shore wind energy development proposals are currently put forward and assessed, helping ensure that the right sort of development ends up in the right places. We hope that it will be a step on the way to showing how society can integrate its concerns for the natural environment with appropriate and effective responses to combat climate change”.
‘Making space for renewable energy’ will be available on Natural England’s website, distributed at regional workshops and events for industry, and at the Energy and Environment 2010 conference in London on 30 March 2010.
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Notes to Editors:
Natural England’s document, 'Making Space for Renewable Energy', is to assist Natural England’s staff to deliver a consistent and clear approach to the discharge of its statutory responsibilities in relation to the deployment of on-shore wind energy development. It can be downloaded from: http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/NaturalEnglandShop/NE254
The Energy & Environment 2010 conference – “The UK Commitment to Copenhagen: our response to a Global Challenge" – is taking place on Wednesday 30 March at the Business Design Centre in London. It will bring together Ministers, departmental heads from local and central Government as well as influential private sector representatives to deliberate the best strategy to achieve key targets. Andrew Wood, Natural England’s Executive Director, is speaking at the conference. www.tenalpsevents.com/eande2010
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s Environmental Stewardship green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
For further information contact: The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953 / press@naturalengland.org.uk / out of hours 07970 098005. For further information about Natural England’s work, please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
